Patacones – The Caribbean Fried Plantain Staple That Colombia Made Iconic (Cuisine Spotlight)

"Patacones are one of my favorite side dishes or entrees that you can find in Latin America."

Biting Into Brazil – The Story Behind Pão de Queijo (Cuisine Spotlight)

“Brazilian cheese bread or ‘Pao de queijo’ is a delicious snack that is truly delightful to have whether it’s in the morning, afternoon, or even at night.”

From Bogotá to Panama – The Bold Flavors of Mondongo (Cuisine Spotlight)

"Mondongo Soup is one of those polarizing foods that you encounter where you either love it or hate it. There’s no in between when it comes to Mondongo, which is what makes it a unique kind of food to cover in this month’s edition of cuisine spotlight."

From Rio to the World – The Cultural Impact of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Cultural Spotlight)

"While Jiu Jitsu or Judo originated in Japan and was meant more for fighting and hand to hand combat, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more focused on using the skills of grappling and then submission in order to become victorious."

From Amazon Palms to Beach Bowls – Chasing Açaí in Brazil (Cultural Spotlight)

"Difficult to find outside of the country and definitely not of the same flavor, taste or variety, Acai is a unique treat that Brazil is rightly known for."

Sancocho – Discover Latin America’s Hearty Stew (Cuisine Spotlight)

"The beauty of a popular dish like Sancocho is its’ history, its’ adaptability, as well as the chance to gather with a group of people and dig in to this delicious food together."

How Tejo Became Colombia’s Explosive National Sport And Why You Should Try It (Cultural Spotlight)

"While not as massively popular as football, Tejo is considered the second most widely played sport in the country and actually fields both teams and competitions in different cities."

Cazuela Uncovered – South America’s Stew with a Story in Every Spoonful (Cuisine Spotlight)

"Depending upon what you’re craving, a good cazuela can be made up of seafood, beef, chicken, etc. as its main base food. ‘Cazuela’ is a Spanish word, which roughly translates into ‘Casserole’ in English."

Three Days in Chicago – A Journey Through Architecture, Culture, and the Soul of the Windy City

"In just three days there with short flights from either the East or West coasts of the United States, you can walk through American history, cruise through modern design, and taste the very essence of the Midwest’s greatest metropolis."

Bandeja Paisa – Colombia’s Flavor on a Platter (Cuisine Spotlight)

"Flavorful, unique, and made up of different food groups, ‘Bandeja Paisa’ is a conglomeration of the best of Colombian cuisine, and specifically of the Antioquia region."